Esther Freud

Esther Freud trained as an actress before writing her first novel, Hideous Kinky, which was shortlisted for the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and made into a feature film starring Kate Winslet. Her other novels include The Sea House, Summer at Gaglow, The Wild, Peerless Flats, Love Falls, and Lucky Break.

From her Q & A with the Guardian:

How did you come to write Lucky Break?

I started writing a series of short stories set in the world of acting and got carried away. Soon I felt a responsibility to create the acting experience with all its highs and lows in as convincing a way as possible.

What was most difficult about it?

The hardest thing was changing it from a series of linked stories to a novel. The rhythm had to be entirely altered.

What did you most enjoy?

Retelling all the anecdotes I've heard along the way.

How long did it take?

I can never tell any more. About a year longer than I wanted it to.

Who's your favourite writer?

I...[read on]

Read about the author Freud would most like to sit next to at a dinner party.

--Marshal Zeringue